National weather agencies across ten Arab nations issue public health warnings as prolonged extreme heat, elevated humidity, and warm nights persist.
ABU DHABI — A persistent atmospheric heat dome has anchored over the Middle East, pushing daytime temperatures to 50°C in the United Arab Emirates and triggering heat advisories across nearly ten Arab countries.
Meteorological departments across the Arabian Peninsula, Levant, and North Africa confirmed Sunday that the high-pressure system will maintain its grip through early August, suppressing cloud formation and trapping intense heat near the surface.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) in the UAE recorded the country’s peak temperature of 50.0°C at Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi. Forecasts indicate the interior and desert zones of the UAE, Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia, and central Iraq—including Baghdad—will continue to face near-50°C conditions. Despite the severe heat, NCM forecasters expect localized convective cloud development over eastern and southern UAE, which may bring brief afternoon rain showers.
In Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology projected a 60 to 80 percent probability of above-normal temperatures persisting through October, with monthly averages reaching up to 2.5°C above seasonal baselines. While August is expected to remain dry across most provinces, meteorologists anticipate an increase in rainfall by September and October, with potential for localized heavy downpours accompanied by stronger-than-average surface winds.
Across neighboring GCC states and the broader region, extreme heat continues to affect daily routines:
- Oman: The Civil Aviation Authority reported top temperatures reaching 47.2°C in Bidiyah, with inland areas such as Hamra Al Duru and Qurayyat touching 47.0°C.
- Jordan: The Meteorological Department warned of temperatures climbing 6°C to 8°C above seasonal averages, with readings approaching 40°C in eastern Amman and higher extremes in the Jordan Valley, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea.
- Egypt: The Egyptian Meteorological Authority cautioned that the influence of the Indian Seasonal Low will elevate humidity levels. Apparent temperatures in Greater Cairo are expected to reach 42°C, while southern Upper Egypt could see perceived heat rise to 47°C. Morning fog and gusty coastal winds are also expected.
- Levant Region: Inland and eastern desert districts of Syria are facing temperatures near 40°C, while hot conditions extend across Lebanon and Palestine.
Health authorities and municipal bodies throughout the region have urged residents to limit direct sun exposure during peak daylight hours, maintain hydration, and observe labor regulations regarding outdoor work.
